Britain could become the second country in the world to have a monument removed from world heritage status by UNESCO.That monument is Liverpool's magnificent waterfront.

And,as if to brush off this shame,Boris Johnson and his government intend to put another site in danger too.The transport secretary,Grant Shapps,wants to blow￡1.7bn on a two-mile tunnel near the site.Given the risk of damage to ancient sites,it is not certain that would be of great comfort to UNESCO.

Located in the northwest of England,Liverpool's magnificent waterfront is a world-famous coastal communications port,witnessing the development of the world's major trading centers in the 18th to 19th centuries.

However,the city is facing a great challenge despite its colorful culture.It remains one of England's finest cities,and was justly recognised as such by UNESCO in 2004.But for half a century,its architectural personality had been abused.Hundreds of acres of historic inner suburbs have been flattened and still lie empty and deserted.The whole streets are boarded up.What makes the famous Three Graces buildings on the waterfront almost out of sight,are towers and flats of wild and ugly scenes.Now the sight of a further 60 hectares of 1990s-style offices and flats is what has horrified UNESCO.

This is not a matter simply of aesthetics.Respecting history is now recognised as holding the key to long-term urban renewal.

“We are terribly sad that we are losing our culture and root.I hate it when we will take a last look at it before it disappears,”said an aged citizen of Liverpool.

Reading Check

Why did UNESCO decide to remove Liverpool's magnificent waterfront from world heritage status?

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